In Germany, NIO is entirely risky
With NIO, another electric car manufacturer has started in Germany. The flagship, the electric sedan ET7, can be ordered now. The Chinese start-up has already attracted a lot of attention with its battery changing stations. But a decision should make the start in Germany a real risk.
Subscription only: NIO takes all the risk with its e-cars
NIO has started offering its electric cars in Germany. As planned, the ET7 limousine, which is available immediately, will start things off. The EL7 SUV will follow from January 2023 and the ET5 model in March, which will probably be a slightly slimmed-down version of the ET7. The promise to start in Germany in the fourth quarter and first electric cars before the turn of the year the Chinese e-car manufacturer seems to be able to keep up.
But with the official start, the company has also made a decision that could put a damper on the prospects of success in Germany. becomes NOK currently do not offer the three electric car models for sale. Instead, customers should only be able to take out one subscription. The business model has been spreading in the automotive industry for some time. But relying entirely on it from the start is a gamble.
Especially in Germany, where owning your own car has a high value. Anyone who is enthusiastic about one of the NIO models will be presented with a fait accompli as a potential buyer. It stays only the possibility to opt for the subscription. On top of that, the price is tough: the ET7 costs 1,549 euros per month if you decide on a test offer. After all, an all-round carefree package that also includes changing the battery – i.e. the charging costs. If the subscription is not cancelled, the monthly price will be reduced over time. Cancellations are possible on a monthly basis.
Whether you choose an electric car or a combustion engine is also a question of money:
Over 40,000 euros – and then the car is still not yours
Possibility number 2: A monthly fixed price with a fixed contract period of between 12 and 60 months. At 36 months, the ET7 costs 1,199 euros with a 75 kWh battery (source: automotive industry). Customers pay 43,164 euros for three years – a lot of money for a car that you don’t own.
It was to be expected that NIO, like in other markets, E-car battery for rent. This also fits with the unique selling point of the Chinese, the automated battery replacement instead of relying on charging stations. Now customers have to completely forego the purchase, at least for the time being.
